Five for your radar: Draft party at RayJay, dining out for a good cause, Broadway on the big screen

Celebrating the NFL Draft this year seems about as practical as throwing a wedding shower when you know the happy couple is going to break up next week. Oh, we jest. Despite their lockout, surely the players and owners will bump fists and make up before fall. We're so sure, in fact, we hereby tell you about the Buccaneers Official Draft Party on Thursday. Join other optimistic fans, cheerleaders and team alumni at Raymond James Stadium, where the doors to the West Club Lounge will be open at 6:30 p.m. and parking Lots 1, 2 and 3 will be open at 5:30. It's free, and when's the last time you could say that about anything at an NFL stadium? At 4201 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa.

More than 75 bay area restaurants will join the fight against AIDS at Thursday's Dining Out For Life. Each participating restaurant will donate 25 percent of your total bill to the group AIDS Service Association of Pinellas. For a complete list of participating restaurants, click here. The dinner begins at 4 p.m. at Backfin Blue Cafe, 2913 Beach Blvd. S, Gulfport. (727) 343-2583.

If you're into cycling — or just really enjoy award-winning documentaries — then head to Hyde Park Village on Thursday for a screening ofRide the Divide. This feature-length film chronicles the story of several mountain bikers attempting the Tour Divide: a 2,711-mile race along the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains. It plays Thursday night only at 6:30 and 8:15 at CineBistro, 1609 W Swann Ave., Tampa. Price: $10 in advance; $15 at the door. The event is a fundraiser for Tampa BayCycle.

Broadway comes to the big screen starting Thursday when the hit musical Memphis arrives at select bay area theaters. Audiences will also be treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the musical. This performance was recorded live with the original Broadway cast. This film is also being shown at Regency 20 in Brandon, Woodland Square 20 in Oldsmar, Citrus Stadium 20 in Tampa, Hyde Park Cinebistro in Tampa and Grove 16 in Wesley Chapel. Some locations may not carry the film at every date and time listed. Check individual schedules before going to the theater.

If you want to hear the comic stylings of Tommy Davidson, here are the two best ways. Sit on the couch and wait for the movie Strictly Business to come on cable (added bonus: The 1991 flick also co-stars Halle Berry). Or just get in the car and head to Ybor because the former star of TV's In Living Color is performing Thursday through Sunday at the Improv. 1600 E Eighth Ave., Tampa. 8 p.m. $20. (813) 864-4000.

Five for your radar: Draft party at RayJay, dining out for a good cause, Broadway on the big screen 04/27/11
[Last modified: Thursday, April 28, 2011 11:05am]
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